Kerala state bus falls into gorge in Idukki, four people dead, 32 injured – Kerala News

Four people were killed and 32 others injured when a Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus fell into a gorge near Pullupara on the Kottarakara-Dindigul National Highway early Monday morning.

The bus, part of KSRTC’s budget tourism cell, was returning to Mavelikkara in Alappuzha district after a tour of Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu. The accident occurred around 6.15 am near Kallivayal estate in Idukki district.

The deceased were identified as Arun Hari (55), Rama Mohan (40), Sangeeth (45) and Bindhu Unnithan (59) – all residents of Mavelikkara.

According to initial reports, the vehicle’s brakes failed while negotiating a sharp bend, causing the bus to spiral into a 20-meter-deep gorge. The bus hit a tree, potentially preventing further casualties.

Emergency services, including local residents, police and employees of the Fire and Rescue Service, launched a rescue operation. The injured were rushed to Mundakayam Medical Trust Hospital and Mar Sleeva Medicity in Pala for treatment.

Efforts are underway to recover the bus using a crane to ensure no one remains trapped.

Authorities said the bus left Mavelikkara on Sunday morning and was expected to return early Monday morning. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact causes of the accident.